Easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Soft, buttery cookies with cream cheese melt hearts at first bite, especially when cinnamon cream cheese cookies dance across your taste buds.

The delicate balance of warm spices and rich cream cheese creates a heavenly treat.

Each crumbly, tender morsel promises pure comfort and sweetness.

These cookies bring warmth to any gathering with their irresistible aroma.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet delightful recipe.

The combination of classic ingredients transforms into something magical in your kitchen.

Prepare to indulge in a cookie that will become your new favorite sweet escape.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle and roll into balls.

• Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Use the same amount called for in the recipe.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for cookies that are just set and slightly puffed. They won’t turn golden brown, so don’t wait for that color change. Bake for 8-9 minutes at 375°F, and they’ll be perfect.

• What if my butter and cream cheese aren't completely softened?

Make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before starting. Softened ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better cookie texture.

Why Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Stand Out

• These cookies require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers who want to create something deliciously impressive without complex techniques.
• Combining the warm, familiar flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese, these cookies offer a nostalgic treat that appeals to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly, allowing you to satisfy sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. The chilling time helps develop richer flavors and better texture.
• Whether served at potlucks, afternoon tea, or as an after-dinner treat, these cookies adapt perfectly to various settings, adding a touch of homemade warmth to any occasion.

What Goes into Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and tangy depth to the cookie's overall taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps create a smooth, soft cookie consistency.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps provide structure to the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure and base of the cookie dough.

• Vanilla Bean Paste, Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with a classic vanilla flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and soft.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the cookie.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and warmly spiced exterior that adds texture and flavor to the cookies.

How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Whip Butter And Cream Cheese

Beat softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.

Gradually blend in powdered sugar, ensuring a creamy consistency throughout.

Step 2: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

• Egg
• Vanilla bean paste
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix thoroughly.

Slowly incorporate flour in small batches, scraping bowl sides to ensure even blending.

The dough will be soft yet thick.

Step 3: Chill The Dough

Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of one hour.

Chilling helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape and preventing cookie spread during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Coating

Create the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a separate small bowl.

Blend cinnamon and sugar until well combined.

For an extra flavor punch, consider adding more cinnamon.

Step 5: Shape And Coat Cookies

Remove chilled dough and roll into small balls (approximately 1 inch in diameter).

Completely coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake cookies for 8-9 minutes.

They won’t turn golden brown but will puff slightly and appear set.

Avoid overbaking.

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Smart Tips for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing. Take them out 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal consistency.
• Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to match your taste preferences. Start with the recipe's recommendation, then experiment by adding extra cinnamon for a bolder flavor profile.
• Use a cookie scoop or lightly greased hands when forming dough balls to prevent sticking. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when they're just set, around 8-9 minutes. Avoid overbaking, as these cookies won't turn golden brown but should look slightly puffy and soft.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.

How to Store and Reheat These Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the chilled dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze raw dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling in cinnamon sugar and baking.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Cookies

• Elevate Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Pairings
• Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Serve with a robust medium-roast coffee that complements the cookie's warm cinnamon notes and creamy texture. The coffee's slight bitterness balances the cookie's sweetness perfectly.
• Sparkling Dessert Wine Match: Pair with a chilled moscato or sweet riesling that echoes the cookie's delicate sugary profile. These light, fruity wines enhance the cinnamon's gentle warmth without overwhelming the cookie's subtle flavors.
• Create Creamy Ice Cream Combo: Top a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream alongside these cookies for a decadent dessert experience. The cold, smooth ice cream contrasts beautifully with the cookie's soft, crumbly texture.
• Design Chai Tea Harmony: Enjoy with a freshly brewed chai tea that mirrors the cookie's spicy cinnamon undertones. The tea's blend of cardamom, ginger, and cloves will create a delightful flavor dance on your palate.

Flavor Twists on Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Cookies: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same soft, creamy texture.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative: Replace butter and cream cheese with coconut-based dairy-free alternatives and use a flax egg instead of traditional egg for a plant-based cookie option.
• Low-Sugar Cinnamon Cookies: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic cinnamon flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese substitutes like cashew-based cream cheese and plant-based butter to create a lactose-free cookie that still delivers rich, creamy taste.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful cinnamon cream cheese cookies bring warmth and sweetness to classic dessert traditions. Sweet layers of creamy richness blend perfectly with warm spices, promising a memorable treat for cookie enthusiasts everywhere.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 & 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (softened)

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1 & 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (7 g) ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
• 1 pinch kosher salt

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and cream cheese until achieving a silky, aerated texture at room temperature.
2. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, ensuring a uniform, velvety consistency without lumps.
3. Introduce egg, vanilla bean paste, baking powder, and salt into the mixture, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
4. Incrementally add flour, gently folding and scraping bowl sides to create a soft, dense dough.
5. Refrigerate dough for minimum 60 minutes, allowing ingredients to solidify and flavors to meld.
6. Meanwhile, combine ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow dish for coating.
7. After chilling, form dough into compact 1-inch spheres using approximately 2 teaspoons per cookie.
8. Roll each dough ball completely in cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring thorough coverage.
9. Arrange coated cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
10. Bake at 375°F for 8-9 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.
11. Remove from oven when cookies appear slightly puffy and set, not golden brown.
12. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a perfectly smooth, lump-free texture.
• Sift flour before adding to prevent clumping and create a lighter, more delicate cookie crumb.
• Experiment with different cinnamon varieties like Ceylon or Saigon for unique flavor profiles and intensity levels.
• Cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance, making meal prep more convenient and flexible.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 138
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg